Zee Jogi
Blackburn and Lancashire-based Zaynab Jogi – Zee for short – is planning to become the first British Muslim woman to achieve a Guinness World Record up Mount Everest in Nepal in November.
This will involve the gruelling trek to Everest Basecamp at an altitude of 5,364 metres followed by negotiating a demanding obstacle course at 5,644 metres.
Zee’s conquest of Kilimanjaro back in September in 2021 when she was the only British Muslim woman who travelled during the pandemic and achieved a Guinness World Record-breaking feat up the African peak.
For that challenge, Zee was among 45 athletes from 26 countries around the world, taking part in a unique endurance challenge and completing a World Highest fitness Class & World Highest Obstacle Course. on Wo
She is taking this on as part of her charity’s mission – Z’s Defence Academy - to combat and break down mental health barriers for youth/adults/elderly through sporting activities, outdoors, pursuits, self-defence and volunteering. Through the charity Academy she strives to educate the most vulnerable women to learn life skills, resilience, confidence, independence and to become strong individuals to live a fulfilling lifestyle.
As Zee put it: “Our aim is to inspire people to achieve through adventure and to conquer their fears. By overcoming their obstacles and maximise their potential, they can enrich the perception of generations. The charity’s mission is to engage, educate and empower.”
Zee and Z’s Defence Academy have been going from strength to strength in 2022 and have been recognised with numerous achievement awards in Blackburn and further afield. These include:
- British Muslim Awards 2022 – “Community Initiative of the Year”
- Bolton Health & Wellbeing awards 2022 Finalist– “Charity of the year”
- Bolton Health & Wellbeing awards 2022 Finalist – “Inspirational Women of the year 22”
- Blackburn & Darwen Sports council – “Contribution to Active Sport 22”
- One Voice Awards 21 - “Women of the Year”
Zee herself is quite a unique and determined individual to say the least with 17 years volunteering experience. She is a qualified fitness instructor; boxing coach; and self-defence course creator. And the only female civilian self-defence instructor in the Northwest.
